Flyers Trade Rumors: Trading Joel Farabee "Would Be Huge Mistake"

The whirlwind of trade rumors enveloping Joel Farabee has been gaining traction, with speculation reaching a crescendo over the young star's future with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Amidst this maelstrom, Flyers' beat reporter insider Jonathan Bailey stands as a vocal opponent to any notion of parting ways with Farabee, adamantly asserting that such a move would constitute "a huge mistake."

Farabee just finished the second year of his 6-year, $30M contract ($5M AAV), signed back in 2021.

Bailey's steadfast conviction stems from Farabee's invaluable contributions to the team, both on and off the ice, as well as his undeniable potential as a top-tier talent in the NHL.

JOEL FARABEE GOAL 🚨 pic.twitter.com/w30dhDWQMd
— Barstool Philly (@BarstoolPhilly) March 8, 2021

Farabee just put up the best season of his five-year NHL career, notching 22 goals and 28 assists for 50 total points across 82 games played, surpassing his previous career-high of 20 goals and 39 total points.

Bailey emphasizes Farabee's proven track record of consistent performance, highlighting his ability to excel in an offense-oriented role and his status as a rare commodity in today's NHL landscape.

TRAVIS KONECNY FINDS JOEL FARABEE FOR THE GOAL!!! #FLYERS pic.twitter.com/b5bl85QwlG
— Flyers Nation (@FlyersNation) January 13, 2024

Despite the team's purported openness to exploring trade opportunities, Bailey cautions against underestimating Farabee's impact within the Flyers' roster dynamics, arguing that his departure would leave a significant void that could prove difficult to fill.

The 24-year-old played all 82 games this season and last season and, over the course of his career, he's recorded 82 goals and 100 assists for 182 total points across 334 games played.

While acknowledging the team's quest for defensive reinforcements or a top-six center, Bailey underscores the irreplaceable nature of Farabee's contributions, urging the Flyers' brass to carefully consider the long-term implications before entertaining any trade scenarios involving the talented 24-year-old winger.

Farabee was the 14th overall selection in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports